BILD interview with Carles Puigdemont | “I already feel like the president of a free country”

In Spain, the power struggle between the central government in Madrid and the regional government in Catalonia is escalating.

In a step that was unusual for the head of state, King Felipe VI voiced his opinion. He accused the regional government of threatening social peace and of systematically ignoring the law by seeking independence and by holding the corresponding referendum (which was illegal, according to a Spanish court).

Regardless of that, talking to BILD, Catalonia’s regional president Carles Puigdemont announces an uncompromising separation policy. At the same time, he raises serious accusations against the central government in Madrid and against the EU.

BILD: Mr. Puigdemont, do you already see yourself as the president of a new state?

Carles Puigdemont: “Not yet. But the results of the referendum will be determined by the end of the week. We will then declare our independence within 48 hours. I already feel like the president of a free country in which millions of people have made an important decision. The next steps will now be taken by the parliament.”

There is strong resistance, however. To the opponents of the referendum, you are nothing but a separatist.

Puigdemont: “The Spanish government has blocked everything that we’ve tried to do over the past few years. They don’t want negotiations, not even talks about the distribution of taxes. They left us with no other option. States have always been founded all across the world. This is entirely normal, since the citizens’ will cannot be permanently suppressed.”

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But nobody in Catalonia is suppressed by the Spanish government – unless you want to claim that Prime Minister Rajoy is a dictator?

Puigdemont: “The Spanish government acts like an authoritarian state. Look at what happened on Sunday. It was violence against peaceful people who just wanted to vote. The Spanish government has political opponents arrested; it influences the media; it blocks websites. And can you hear the helicopter above our government building? We are being watched day and night. What is this if not an authoritarian state?”

The Spanish government refers to the law: the referendum and your separatist movement are illegal. The king has also criticised you sharply. Will you soon be arrested?

Puigdemont: “I am personally not afraid of that. Nothing that the Spanish government does surprises me anymore. My arrest is also possible. It would be a barbaric step. The Spanish government is making one mistake after another and ignoring reality.

I am disappointed that the actions of the police have not been criticised more decidedly within the EU. The fundamental civil liberties of European citizens were violated. But the EU is not saying anything. When the same happens in Turkey, Poland, or Hungary, there is an enormous outrage.”

The situation keeps escalating. How far are you willing to go?

Puigdemont: “We will go as far as people want us to. Without using violence, however. We have always been a peaceful movement. And I am certain that Spain cannot ignore the will of so many people.”

Madrid is already threatening to assume complete control over Catalonia. Will this lead to a civil war in the end?

Puigdemont: “No – as I said before, we have been, and will remain, peaceful. The Spanish government sent 10 000 national police officers into the region. They had a clear task and assaulted peaceful citizens. We, by contrast, will not use violence.”

What will happen over the next few days?

Puigdemont: “I have always said that we are ready to talk. Our inspiring example is the referendum held in Scotland. The EU should finally interfere – but it should talk to both sides and not just to the government in Madrid. We are ready for independence.”

Football fans are wondering where FC Barcelona will play if you declare independence?

Puigdemont: “That is up to the club alone to decide. I cannot imagine that the Spanish league would want to do without such an important club – or without matches between Madrid and Barca. Even though I am a Girona fan, I very much enjoy watching these matches.”